Letter Home

i thought I would write a blog post in the form of a letter home to my mom. She worries quite a bit but who wouldn't when you have a kid biking in Alaska. 

Hi Mom

We are safe. No problems so far. We have been staying in the same campground in Denali taking in the hikes close by and the ranger programs. We mostly wanted to give our legs a rest for a couple days. We succeeded at that until we did a huge hike today up Mt Healy. I was exhausted at the top but the view was worth it. 

I haven't showered in at least three maybe four days. Honestly I can't remember at this point. Showers are expensive here and after awhile you don't notice the dirt. I only kid. About the dirt. Not the showering. You will be proud to know I have changed my underwear everyday. Deanna and I have actually contemplated seeing how long we could go without a shower. 

My clothes are getting pretty gross but we are headed out into the park tomorrow for two days. We have campsites but they are very primitive. We decided to take showers and wash all out clothes when we get back out. 

Tomorrow we take a bus with our bikes on board to the Eilson Visitor Center. It is about 66 miles into the park. The road extends out 90 miles but isn't open just yet to buses. We would bike the whole way but that would require a massive uphill climb from mile 90 to about 70. We would rather avoid it. 

From the visitor center we will bike back to the park entrance sleeping two days at campsites much farther in the park. No wireless there. 

With any luck the Denali Highway will be open and we will start heading that way. It is still closed because of a few washouts on the road. It's probably passable by bike but we are waiting for final word. 

We are really having a wonderful time. It was freezing last night but otherwise the weather has been beautiful if not a little too hot. Below I included some photos. 

Much love

Mari